Recently the Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception to mark the 50th Anniversary of Enniskillen Hockey Club.

The following is the speech made by the Chair at the reception:

Good evening Councillors, ladies and gentlemen,

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to The Townhall, Enniskillen for this reception to mark the 50^th anniversary of Enniskillen Hockey Day.

Formed in 1974, the Club enjoyed early success in 1977 followed by winning the Intermediate Cup in 1979.  A significant success for the Club was winning the iconic McConnell Cup in 1994.  This success earned you a place to represent Ulster in the All Ireland Finals where you emerged as Runner Ups to a strong Kilkenny Team.

In 1996 you achieved promotion to the Senior 2 League making history by being the first Club in the West of Ulster to play and compete in Senior League Hockey.  The strength and talent of the Club was such that you quickly gained promotion to the Senior 1 League in 1998.

In 2014 the Club celebrated its 40^th anniversary and, fittingly in that year, you won the Intermediate Plate.

In the 2017-2018 League you enjoyed further significant success going unbeaten and winning the Junior Plate.  I understand you scored 69 goals, which was the highest tally in the Club’s history, and you only conceded 15 goals.

Following a short break in 2018, the Club has since reformed and you competed in the 2023-2024 Ulster Senior 3 League.

A notable achievement this year, and a memorable moment for your 50^th anniversary year, was your success in receiving the Clubmark Bronze Award.  The Club is the first in Ulster to receive this award which aims to identify, accredit, develop and recognise high quality clubs and the contribution they make to the development of the game.  The Club is deserving of this award as grassroots has been pivotal to your success over the years and I know you continue to focus on Junior hockey.

The Council is aware of the ongoing challenge the Club experiences in relation to the lack of appropriate pitch provision in Fermanagh.  The Council is committed to continuing to liaise with stakeholders to help identify a suitable location which will enable the Club to continue to thrive.

Hockey requires speed, agility, stamina and good hand and eye co-ordination.  It also fosters teamwork, social interaction and good communication.  All players, past and present, have demonstrated these talents and qualities to a high level and I believe this has contributed to your success over the years.

This doesn’t come without ongoing dedication to attend training and I commend you for this as you have many other competing demands on your time including work, family and other personal commitments.  I hope that the successful history of the Club, of which you have played your part, will encourage you to continue and to inspire the next generation of hockey players.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I would like to congratulate all members, past and present, on the 50^th anniversary of Enniskillen Hockey Club and I wish you continued success for the future.